Businesses to table bids for Town Hall lease (From Brentwood Weekly News)
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Businesses to table bids for Town Hall lease
12:17pm Wednesday 26th September 2012 in News
A DECISION on which firm will work in a section of the Town Hall could be sorted by Christmas.
Businesses who have expressed an interest in operating in a 25,000 to 30,000sq m part of the building in Ingrave Road will tour the site today, before being formally allowed to table bids.
Last year Brentwood Council agreed on a motion splitting the hall into three sections housing council offices, a home for community projects and charities and part for another firm to work from.
Russell Quirk, who forwarded the motion during a heated full council meeting considering the building’s future and chairman of the Town Hall Delivery Group, said a number of firms are interested.
The Conservative councillor also said he is hoping a decision on who gets the part being bidded for will be made very soon.
Mr Quirk said: “We are showing the potential the Town Hall has and hopefully a deal will be done by the end of the year.
“It will work on the basis that the council will still own the building, but we will lease it out to whichever firm makes the best offer.
“What this will do is provide a focused business hub near the town centre along with ensuring the maintenance of the Town Hall is kept up while saving taxpayers money as well.”
During the day, businesses will be given a guided tour of the building before a presentation is shown ending in a question and answer session.
Afterwards, firms will be able to table bids for the council to consider.
Mr Quirk said it was exciting to see the progress being made in the project.
He added: “This shows that when it comes to business, the council really does mean business.
“Add on top the fact community groups will be housed in another part of the building along with the council, it gives a great chance for all three sections to cross over and work together.
“This is about doing the best for the town and for the residents.”
